Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

 
A few years ago I received Naomi's Home Companion as a Thank You Gift from a co-worker.  Naomi - in case you are wondering, is a singer from the country group called the Judds who had many number one hits back in the day when I was growing up.

Anyway, she has some nice country type recipes in her book and the one I'm going to share with you today is her Macaroni and Cheese Casserole.  While it's not my Holiday Mac N Cheese it's nice to switch it up a bit besides who doesn't love Velveeta?!

Give it a whirl.  It's yummy.  She quotes in the book if she "were alone on a desert island, this is the one dish" she would want to have!

Serves up 4-6 hungry bellies.

Ingredients
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 stick butter or 1/4 cup
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
6 ounces Velveeta, cut up into small chunks plus extra shredded cheddar for topping
salt and pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Cook macaroni according to box directions and drain well.  In a heavy saucepan melt your butter then whisk in flour to make a paste.  Gradually whisk in your milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Keep whisking until thickened about 1 minute.  Then add cheese, salt and pepper and whisk until smooth consisitency.
Next stir in the cooked macaroni into your sauce.  Transfer into a shallow 2 quart baking dish and bake at 350 uncovered until bubbly and golden brown. About 20-25 minutes.  Add the remaining shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking.

Slide out chair, sit back and enjoy.

Read More

Dinner Talk with Straight Talk

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you know that commercial on TV where the couple gets done grocery shopping and go to the wrong car?  That's the idea of the "feel richer" effect when you use Straight Talk to cut your cell phone bill in half.  I admit that I use a different phone service to call family and friends and have been happy thus far.  However, it does intrigue me to learn just a bit more about this service that is getting a lot of hype.

You can literally text or call a friend and share that recipe you've been wanting to or even simply order a pizza without worrying about any crazy hidden charges.   

With Straight Talk you get a little bit of everything you need without a contract.  I've had my eye on one of those electric mixers so if I could save the amount of money they talk about, I might just splurge!  I also like that I can continue to use my same cell phone should I switch.  With Straight Talk you can use phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.


Put down the biscuits and check out these plans/offerings!

Monthly Plans:
• The “All You Need Plan” meets even the needs of heavy phone users with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data.
• Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web.
• Imagine unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00!
• 411 calls are included at no extra charge.
• Free from activation, reactivation, or termination fees

International Long Distance:
• Straight Talk International Long Distance Service is a flexible prepaid calling service that enables you to make international calls from your home, cell or office phone at low rates.

Phone Selection:
• Reconditioned phones are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. Great for young users!
• Amazing smart phones; touch screen phones, and app capable phones with features like voice navigation, camera, video recorder, music player, instant messaging, and Bluetooth

And for your viewing pleasure for some real Straight Talk customer testimonials please check out the videos below:




They say mom knows best.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and if you save money and can go out and eat a steak dinner every week if you chose to, with the money you saved!

Read More

Slash your grocery bill with these 5 easy steps

Slash your grocery bill with these 5 easy steps

1.     Buy your fruit and vegetables unwashed and uncut. You pay for every step of processing a food producer performs. Cut your own apples, wash your own lettuce and divide that box of raisins into smaller portions instead of paying more for single-serving packages.

2.     Make whole, unprocessed foods the biggest part of your grocery list. You will also save a ton if you stir-fry plain rice with leftover chicken rather than buy a boxed pilaf mix. You don’t have to start baking your own bread, but every processed food—from cereal bars to frozen dinners to salad dressing—you cut from your list will reduce your bill.

3.     Only buy non-food items on sale, preferably with a coupon. Here’s where price comparisons can really add up. Home items such as toilet paper and laundry detergent can be the most expensive on your bill. So stock up when things go on sale. Read weekly sales flyers, circle items you currently use  (even if you don’t need it that week) and search your coupon file to see if you have a match. After a couple months of buying extra-large sizes of everything, you’ll see your weekly bills decrease because you won’t need to restock as often, and you’ll be paying less for each use.

4.     Save nonessential items for special occasions. Maybe your kids are accustomed to having soda in the fridge and cookies in the pantry. But if you save these low-nutrient, high-calorie foods for special occasions, you’ll save big, and your kids will be healthier. They’ll also start viewing chips and soda as a treat, not a daily snack.

5.     Always take a list, never buy end of aisle. You know from experience that when you walk into a store without a plan, it’s easy to allow marketing and hunger to influence your purchases. Take a list (hopefully one including deals you’ve already researched) and avoid items on display at the end of aisles. This is where grocer’s place items they are pushing that week, and they usually aren’t deals. Stick to your list and real sale items, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much you have in the bank at the end of the month.

 

Celia Colista is a New York-based writer who writes about personal finance, cooking and sustainable eating. Visit Deals.com - your lucky source for online coupons, free shipping offers, and other deals 7 days a week.

Read More

Coffee Talk

It's still morning so let's have some coffee talk.  For starters I always start my day with a cup of coffee.  As of late we've been trying the Skinny White Chocolate Mocha creamer.   This wasn't my only cup (never is)....shhhhh.

 

I love Espresso Machines however I just have a perk coffee pot which is probably a bit outdated but it serves its purpose.  I used to have a nice coffee maker that ground the coffee and brewed it but it was too much for me to do first thing in the morning.  I ended up breaking it!  I put coffee beans in the wrong spot (half asleep) and it never worked again.

Recently we had some family in town who picked up some of the Wal-mart coffee creamer in Raspberry Chocolate and it was good!  Have you ever tried it? 

If you live in NE Ohio then you've probably heard about or have been to Swenson's, the hamburger drive in.  They have a great burger (the galley boy) which is what we get any time we go there.  Most recently we tried their iced coffee (vanilla caramel)  and it was pretty good.  It tasted to me like a White Russian (adult beverage made with coffee liquer - YUM).  I'd like to know if any of you think the same. 

Anyway, have a great Monday and all and enjoy your morning coffee!

Read More

Amazingly Good Taco Salad

 

I had a lot of fresh produce on hand after having made some rounds at farmers stands here in NE Ohio so I threw this taco salad together that knocked everyone's socks off!  It was so good and refreshing.  I love visiting fresh farmers stands and picking up wonderful looking local fresh produce.  It's my nice weather weekend adventure!

This reminds me of home so much because "tacos" are a favorite around here that everyone eats.  You can be as picky as you want and still find a topping that you like.  In addition, it's full of flavor, easy to dish up, and has lots of fresh ingredients!  This is our go to meal for no fuss dinner nights.



Here's what went into making it

Fresh roughly torn Romaine Lettuce
Fresh Tomatoes chopped
Sliced Black Olives (I used can)
Jalapeno pepper sliced (seeds removed optional)
Chopped vidalia onion
Salsa
Sour Cream
Two shredded cheeses - Shredded Cheddar Jack or Pepper Jack and Shredded Sharp Cheddar
Doritos Chips (crushed or whole optional)
Hamburger meat cooked and seasoned with 1 package of  Cugino's Dipz packets Tomato Lime Salsa

We put each ingredient on the table and let everyone layer and stack as they desire with their favorite ingredients. 

The dip happened to be an accidental good "oops" mistake.  I was out of taco seasoning and didn't want to search my spice cabinet to make my own (feeling lazy) and found this dip packet I had never made, by the tortillas.  So, I thought why not!  It actually was quite tasty with the hamburger!

Doritos happen to be one of my favorite chips so I was happy to toss that right in the mix this time instead of regular shells. Hubs likes a variation and that did just the trick.

Speaking of chips have you seen the new Lays Regional Flavored Chips?  I have and my favorite thus far (out of the ones I tried) is the Creamy Garden Ranch!  It's bold and full of flavor as I suspect all the other varieties are as well.

These chips were inspired by popular American regional cuisine and include:
1.       Northeastern U.S. – Lay’s Honey Mustard
2.       Midwestern U.S. – Lay’s Creamy Garden Ranch
3.       Northwestern U.S. – Lay’s Balsamic Sweet Onion
4.       Southwestern U.S. – Lay’s Chipotle Ranch
5.       Southeastern U.S. – Lay’s Cajun Herb & Spice      

All of the Lay's Regional Flavored potato chips are made with all natural ingredients and cooked in healthier oils, like corn and sunflower oils, which contain 80% or more of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat - the "good fats." They also contain 0 grams of trans fats per serving! There’s also less sodium in them than you might think – a 1-oz serving of our Lay’s Regional Flavored potato chips contains less salt than a plain bagel!

The ones available in my region (and I've seen others too) are the Creamy Garden Ranch and Garden Tomato and Basil.  I have also seen the Tangy Carolina BBQ too even though we are technically Midwest/North.  My family liked that one better so I had the Creamy Garden Ranch all to myself.

Next time I make this taco salad I'm going to use one of these bold flavored chips as a substitute. Which one do you think will taste the best with all the fresh ingredients?  Additionally, which one reminds you of home?  Answer either of these two questions to be entered to win a variety prize pack of the New Lays Regional Chips!!

Giveaway Ended




Giveaway ends September 3, 2011 and winner will be chosen at random.


Frito-Lay provided me with the chips and this blog post is a form of entry for a contest.

Read More

Old Kitchen Appliances

We've all been there a time or two when one of our kitchen appliances decided to kick the bucket on us unexpectedly.  Not only do you have to rush to find a replacement (like a refrigerator) but you also have to figure out what to do with your old one.

Here are a few ideas if you are trying to get rid of an unwanted appliance.  There are many places like Habitat for Humanity, Craigslist, Appliance Removal Chicago, and many other alternatives should you want to get rid of them quickly. 

I would have to say that after purchasing a working model we were always left with what to do with the one that doesn't work.  Some places now will scrap your old appliance where as some places want you to pay to drop it off.  We have found that simply getting rid of it for free seems to work and typically there are folks that are willing to come pick it up too!

This has certainly saved us a headache in the past.  We have actually been on the hunt for a new refrigerator for some time (not aggressively) because ours is showing us signs that it may act up one of these days.  I can see us in this same spot in the near future.

What are some things that you have done to get rid of some of the unwanted kitchen appliances at your home?

Read More

Hashbrown Casserole

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups milk, half and half, or whatever you have
3/4 cup butter melted or margarine
30 oz hasbrowns frozen that are now thawed
1 cup of  parmesan cheese
Onion Rings
Generous shakes of salt and pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions
In a big bowl mix all ingredients except onion rings and reserve 1/2 cup of Parmesan for topping.  Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and pour your mixture in it.  Top with remaining parmesan cheese.  Bake at 350 for 45 to an hour depending on your oven.   About 15 minutes before it's done and starts browning add your frozen onion rings to the top and continue cooking until it's golden brown.

Enjoy!  I usually eat this as a side for dinner but I imagine it would work well at breakfast too.  Also, sometimes I add bacon or ham and use it as the main course.

Read More

Scrubs and Food

Finding cool looking scrubs may not always be easy especially if you are a foodie.  You may want to check out blue sky scrubs - (men too) http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Men/.   Some people may mock at the idea of strutting cool looking scrubs but isn't that how it goes?

If you are in the market for a new place to find duds to wear to work then Blue Sky Scrubs may be just what your looking for.  After browsing their site I found a few fashion scrubs that I think are unique and seem to be reasonable price wise.

For me personally (I've said this before) I think it's always nice to see a cheery scrub on a nurse when you are feeling ill, especially for the kids.  As far as the foodies go, keep strutting your stuff.

Read More

Kitchen Inspiration Guide

Need a little inspiration for you kitchen?  Get a free Inspiration Guide for your kitchen and home (click the picture)!  I've received this in the past and they are neat.  I used to have a Kraftsmaid pantry and they are great quality!

Read More

Quick Fix Dinner

 

My husband loves this dish and there's absolutely nothing to it.  I typically do this for an easy weeknight meal and serve it over rice for a filling dinner.

All I do is brown hamburger, with an onion, bell pepper and seasoning of choice like garlic powder, salt/pepper.  Soy sauce is the main companion to this dish along with rice.  Hubs love it!

Keep it in mind next time your guessing what to make!

Read More

Slow Grilled BBQ Chicken

This is one of my favorite ways to have chicken.  I grew up on chicken so it's actually not one of my favorite things to cook.  It seemed like every time I turned around my mom was frying up chicken. 

Having grown up down South I have a fancy for BBQ chicken.  The kind you  get your face and fingers dirty  picking up, and eating it off the bone.  Today I'm sharing with you how I do mine.  I use this same concept when I grill ribs too.   Oh, and I am a huge grill fan!  The weather has just started getting nice here in Ohio and I'm already out smelling the charcoal! 

Directions
I'm doing the directions first because well... you first need to get your grill ready.  It really doesn't matter whether you have a gas or charcoal grill.  Just as long as you can place your chicken on the side that is off or doesn't have charcoal.  I slow cook mine off of the direct heat. 
While that's getting nice and hot I put a little dry rub on my chicken.  I mix up in a bowl the following:
chili powder
brown sugar
garlic powder
cayenne pepper
oregano
thyme
salt/pepper

I apply it to the skin of my chicken and pat it down some.  When my coals are ready I place the chicken on the grill rack (away from the direct heat) and immediately cover. 

Every 10 minutes I flip the chicken.  Depending on the size of your chicken your cooking time will very.  I'd say anywhere from 45 minutes on up.  I always use a meat thermometer when I do chicken.  Mine in the picture took about 1 hour.  These were thighs.  During the last 20 minutes of the cooking I start adding my BBQ sauce with a BBQ brush.  I used a whole bottle because I like mine messy!  I added my sauce each time I fliped the chicken during the last phase of cooking.  After each application I continue to keep the lid closed on the grill.  
And Voila!!  You have delicious BBQ chicken ready for some finger smackin!

Read More

Wine Talk

One thing on my list of items to have in my kitchen is a wine decanter.  I think they are absolutely lovely to have when serving up a very nice dinner at home.  Regardless of types of wine you put in it, it just seems to add that fine dining element to it.  Do you have one of these at your home?

Many years ago I went to a wine tasting event at a college where culinary students (my friend attended) were invited.  I was asked to go and couldn't have been more thrilled!  They had so many types of wine it was amazing.  When you first walked in they handed you an etched wine glass (with the events name) for your tasting which I still have today.  Regardless if you were a wine guru or not there was much to learn and see. 

My grandfather used to make homemade wine when I was younger on his farm.  It was potent!  I couldn't tell you what types of wine he engineered but they could warm your insides.  Now that I'm very much in my adult years, I think it would be nice to attend another wine tasting.  I've toured vineyards (which are fun) and have tried a variety of wines throughout the years but I can't say that I have a favorite, yet.

Read More

2nd Annual Made with Love Recipe Contest Winning Recipes!

The warm weather and sunshine are finally here to stay, and I hope you’re making time to enjoy it!

Lucky Leaf has some exciting news! 

They have partnered with Better Homes & Gardens to select the three winning recipes from the Made with Love Recipe Contest this year.

The grand prize winner is Greg F. and his delicious Pork Chops in Apple Jalapeno Barbeque Sauce recipe. The runners up are Nadine M. and her Lemon Bar Blackberry Trifle (this one I can't wait to make), and Lindsay W. with her Harvest Apple Ice Cream with Warm Salted Caramel recipe.

Now, it’s your turn to be the judge! Put these winning recipes to the test and tell me what you think! I know how quickly the summer calendar fills up, so don’t worry - these simple recipes will be perfect for any event throughout the season. Surprise your family and friends with these creative and delicious dishes.

In addition to trying these tasty summer treats, be sure to share your own “winning” recipes using Lucky Leaf Pie Filling!  I can't wait to get cooking these new dishes!  Which one do you think you'll try first?

Disclosure - I received information provided to me to faciliate this post and samples to try the recipes myself!  No monetary exchange took place and the opinions are 100% my own.

Read More

Tomato Salad (Caprese)

I used exactly what you see pictured above but didn't use the whole bunch of basil. I sliced three small tomatoes, an 8oz ball of mozzarella, and tossed in a few basil leaves. I coated lightly with balsamic glaze (I went a little heavy) or balsamic vinegar would do, salt, pepper, and just a touch of olive oil.

Serve it up in a pretty little bowl or platter.  Ahhhhh, refreshing!

Read More

Hellmann's Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes

School is about to be back in session and sandwiches are in! From beach-side picnics to backyard BBQs, summer is the perfect season to savor sandwiches made the way you like them.

When it comes to sandwiches, the bread is your canvas. In fact, a recent Hellmann's Sandwich Survey reveals nearly six in ten Americans (59%) believe that making a sandwich is an art that gives them an opportunity to get creative, rather than a science that simply requires slapping the right ingredients together.

No matter how you choose to build your sandwiches this summer, Hellmann's can be that key ingredient that makes any sandwich even more delicious!

Chef Bobby Flay teamed up with Hellmann's to encourage sandwich lovers everywhere to share their passionate preferences for sandwich-making techniques. They want to know how you create your sandwich masterpieces....Do you spread your Hellmann's Mayo on one slice
or both?  I'm a two slicer girl myself!  Or is your crust a must or does it get the cut?

All you have to do is go to Facebook.com/hellmanns to share your sandwich-making tips, tricks, techniques and secrets.  You'll also have the opportunity to build your perfect sandwich and enter the Hellmann's Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes for a chance to win great prizes including a kitchen essentials bundle, grocery gift cards, and Hellmann's products.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's® prize package in exchange for this post.  No monetary exchange took place.

Read More

FREE FRESCHETTA By The Slice pizza event 8/4/11

FRESCHETTA has a unique event coming up (this Thursday, Aug 4, 2011) that is a great opportunity for you to try one their newest products for free!  Right now you can visit

http://www.freefreschetta.com/ and sign up for an email reminder and/or details!

Event Details:

Date - August 4th, 2011

What - FREE FRESCHETTA By The Slice pizza event

Where - From the comfort of your own home

FRESCHETTA will be giving away thousands of slices of  delicious By The Slice pizza in a special live online event. The FRESCHETTA By The Slice pizza will be given away in 5,000 increments every half hour. There will also be fun, interactive contests where you can win additional coupons.

Be sure to run over here to check it out!

By sharing this event as a Freschetta Fresh Connection Blogger, I have been entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a prize.

Read More